Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, a membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the white of the eye. Red and irritated, infected eyes feel as if they're bedeviled by stray grains of sand. There is often a discharge, too. The culprits behind of all this itching? Viruses, bacteria, or allergies. While conjunctivitis won't threaten an adult's sight, it's unsightly. And it's no fun. Here's what you can do.
Wash the Red Away - "A warm compress applied to the eyes for 5 to 10 minutes 3 to 4 times a day will make you feel better," says pediatric ophthalmologist Robert Peterson, M.D.
Keep Eyes Clean - "A lot of times conjunctivitis gets better by itself," says Dr. Peterson. "To help the healing process along, keep your eyes and eyelids clean by using a cotton ball dipped in clean or sterile water to wipe the crusts away."
Baby Yourself - A warm compress works well for children, but sometimes adults need a little something more. "Adults who have a lot of discharge should make a solution of 1 part baby shampoo to 10 parts warm water," says ophthalmologist Peter Hersh, M.D.
"Dip a sterile cotton ball into solution and use it to clean off your eyelashes. It works well. The warm water loosens the crust and the baby shampoo cleans off the junction of your eyelids and eyelash."
Throw in the Towel - Toss your towel, washcloth, and anything else that comes in contact with your eyes into the laundry. "This infection is highly contagious. Don't share a towel or washcloth with anyone, because it will easily spread the disease," says Dr. Peterson.
Don't Chlorinate Your Eyes - Does swimming in a pool leave you seeing pink? "The chlorine in the swimming pool can cause conjunctivitis, but without the chlorine, bacteria would grow—and that could cause it too," says Dr. Peterson. "If you are going to go swimming and you're susceptible to conjunctivitis, wear tight-fitting goggles while in the water.
Put Allergic Conjunctivitis on Ice - If you survive the summer swim but not the summer pollen,your conjunctivitis may be caused by allergies. "If your eye itches like a mosquito bite and you have stringy pus in your eye, most of the time it's the sign of allergic conjunctivitis, " says ophthalmologist J. Daniel Nelson, M.D. "Taking an over-the-counter antihistamine will help that, and use cold, not warm compresses. A cold compress will relieve the itch.."
Get Drugged at Night - "Germ-cause conjunctivitis intensifies when your eyes are closed. That's why it tends to get worse at night when you're asleep. To combat that, put any prescribed antibiotic ointment i your eyes before going to bed. That way it will prevent crusting.